Lenni Hameenaho is a player whose high hockey IQ the Devils should value
A second-round pick in 2023, Lenni Hameenaho is still playing in Finland, but the winger has been productive in Liiga since he debuted for Assat’s big club in 2022-23 when he put up 21 points and nine goals in 51 contests. He made steady improvements this season, logging 27 in 41 games with 12 goals and 15 assists, and he also enjoyed a strong showing at the World Juniors with four goals in seven contests.
Hameenaho already has size that can translate to the NHL, and the 19-year-old still has room to grow on what is a 6’1, 185 pound frame. Putting on a little more size will only help Hameenaho’s game, especially if he can remain an agile player capable of quickly finding open passing and scoring lanes.
While he realistically won’t play for the Devils until the second half of the decade, Hameenaho’s smart approach to the game will make the front office thank themselves for keeping him around should they buy and choose not to trade him to a club that will be collecting prospects. Players like Hameenaho will get creative in finding ways to win hockey games, and you can never have too many players with such intellect in the system.